Reporting

Essex Police take prejudice-based crime seriously and we want all incidents to be reported. It is important to let us know about hate crime to give us a chance to investigate and prosecute offenders and to ensure that you and the wider community are protected.

Whatever your background, it is important to remember that if you are the victim of hostility or prejudice, you are not to blame. Everyone has the right to live their life free from abuse and violence whoever they are. You don’t have to live with hate crime and we are here to help.

We cannot deal with the problem unless it is reported to us so we would encourage you to contact us whether you are experiencing hate crime or you know someone who is. Report it to sort it!

Call 101 to report all non-urgent cases. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger call 999 or 112.

What can we do for you?

All incidents that are defined as hate crime are referred to a specialist team of officers.

These specialist Hate Crime Officers (HCOs) have established links with other criminal justice agencies, as well as many public and voluntary sector organisations, that are able to provide you with support and advice.

HCOs and local community groups will work together to solve problems treating all victims of crime in a professional and sensitive manner. We understand your concerns regarding confidentiality and will consult with and advise you through every step of the investigation.

We will explain the investigation process and give you sufficient information the help you decide what you want to do. Above all we will stay in touch and provide contact details where you can get the support you need.

How else can I report hate crime?

If you don’t feel able to contact police directly, you can report confidentially via the True Vision website where you do not have to leave your details. However, this will limit any action we can take against offenders.

True Vision, a website that launched in February 2011, allows visitors to report hate crime using a form that is automatically delivered to the relevant police force.

You can also report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

What is a HIRC?

Hate Incident Reporting Centres, or HIRC’s, are community venues where individuals can report hate incidents and hate crimes, either as a victim or a witness. A HIRC can act as an alternative place for reporting hate crimes/hate incidents rather than directly to the police.

A HIRC works in collaboration with Essex Police and other partner agencies to provide support and information during the reporting process.

“Becoming an accredited HIRC has been important for our organisation as all our staff are now able to support people with a learning disability to have confidence to stand up against hate crime and hate incidents. We want to encourage people with a learning disability to stop living with hate incidents as part of their everyday lives.”

Marc McOwens, Southend Mencap

Why do we need HIRCS?

According to the 2011 Crime Survey of England and Wales only 15% of hate crimes/hate incidents were reported.

Recommendation 16 of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry recognises the need for “the ability to report at locations other than police stations.”

It is clear that victims/witnesses feel more comfortable reporting at alternative venues for a number of reasons.